Lighting Art

July 18, 2023

Art has the power to elevate any commercial or residential environment and with proper lighting, art can set the tone for an entire experience. From dramatic focal points to calming wall decor, art and light work together to create mood in hotels, galleries, restaurants, and homes alike.

Award-winning lighting innovator USAI Lighting harnesses the light to showcase art in shared spaces. Using the industry’s smallest yet brightest fixtures with outstanding glare control, the LittleOnes® Micro Doubles expertly manipulate design and color to spotlight art pieces the way they are made to be shared.

Here are a few tips to consider when lighting art:

TIP 1: Use Adjustable Downlights To Cross Aim Light

Depending on the artwork sizes and spacing on the wall, aiming directly towards the piece, or by using an adjacent adjustable light fixture to cross-aim from the side are effective techniques to consider.

TIP 2: Use Wall Wash Fixtures To Showase Large-Scale Artwork, Sculptures & Wall Textures

Use wall wash to provide even lighting across a wall to showcase large-scale artwork, sculptures, and even wall texture. The LittleOnes and the LittleOnes Micro Doubles have adjustable accent lights and wall wash capabilities within a one-inch aperture. Delivering up to 1600 lumens (800 per head), the tiny one-inch aperture fixtures cast as much or more light as the larger and bulkier fixtures of the past.

TIP 3: Identify The Light Sources' Color Temperature & CRI

Lighting quality is also essential to represent an artist’s intent. When selecting the right lighting, the key is identifying the light source’s color temperature and CRI (Color Rendering Index).

White light is not just one hue but rather exists on a spectrum of warm to cool tones that are measured by their Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) in degrees Kelvin. Choosing color temperature, whether warmer or cooler, will determine how color is perceived. This is illustrated in the painting above.

Golden 2200–2400K: Dramatic and warm to deliver softened yellows, fire engine reds, plum purples, and mossy greens.

Neutral 3000K: Soft and warm light emphasizes rich reds, deep purples and Kelly greens.

Cool 4000K: Vivid and vibrant light delivers deep reds and purples, and forest greens.

Lighting with a high CRI (up to 100) offers vibrancy and color most akin to natural light. To make every space look its best use light sources with a CRI greater than 80. To highlight artwork and make colorful finishes pop, a CRI greater than 90 is ideal.

Get Started With Choosing The Right Products For Lighting Art

USAI Lighting has a comprehensive platform of high-performance, architectural grade, LED solutions that balance color technology, optical design, and superior performance with 80+ and 90+ CRI. This extensive line of innovative products offers solutions for every design challenge, including lighting for artwork and decorative features. Specifiers can choose from a range of static and dynamic color temperature choices to address every project requirement. Browse our recessed lighting & pendant cylinder product families or contact us now to discuss lighting options.

Experience the USAI Difference at the USAI Lighting Collaboratory in NYC

Seeing is believing. Make an appointment at the USAI Collaboratory in NYC, and play with light. Bring mood boards and fabric swatches to determine which color temperature works best for your space. Explore our expansive platform of LED lighting fixtures to choose the perfect options for your next project.

Our showroom is open by appointment only. Connect with your USAI Sales representative, or contact our showroom manager at 845-565-8500 or email showroom@usailighting.com to book an appointment.